The April day grew long and the sunlight now angled across the buildings awkwardly, blinding anyone with their head held erect. The alleys of this small town held their secrets. I watched the sun’s prisms of light for a moment, even as I pulled the door closed. Though I thought I was devoid of the ability to command my foot to press the gas pedal and depart, my body treasonously did its part.

Despite the certainty that glancing back might rend me into two unholy halves, I peered into the rearview mirror.

Behind me, he raised his arm, tentatively waving toward me as I drove away.

It was more than a goodbye.